An elderly British couple has admitted in court to racially attacking a Filipina nurse at a public park in Halifax after footage of the incident went viral and sparked widespread outrage.
Fyona Bairstow, 72, and Michael Bairstow, 77, entered guilty pleas at Bradford Magistrates’ Court following an August 2025 confrontation with Apple Moorhouse, a 42-year-old nurse who has worked in Britain’s National Health Service for 15 years. The couple was ordered to return for sentencing on April 15, and released on bail with conditions barring them from Manor Heath Park and from contacting Moorhouse.
The incident began when Moorhouse asked the couple to keep their dog on a lead after it frightened her six-year-old daughter. Michael Bairstow responded by throwing water at her, directing racist remarks about her immigration status, and instructing his dog to attack her. Fyona Bairstow grabbed Moorhouse by the hair and threatened her. When a bystander intervened, Michael Bairstow punched her in the face. He pleaded guilty to an additional charge of assault by beating in connection with that attack.
Video of the confrontation, which showed the couple hurling abuse and making Nazi salutes, was viewed millions of times after circulating online.
Following the attack, Moorhouse said she intended to leave the NHS. “Some people aren’t worth my time or care,” she said.
The couple left Bradford Magistrates’ Court with their faces covered and declined to answer questions or offer an apology.
